A curved retaining wall is a fantastic way to add movement, shape and interest into your back yard or garden – and it’s not as difficult to create as it might seem. Curves complement any landscape, and can be incorporated in many ways and designs to accent your outdoor area.
Building a curved retaining wall from concrete blocks is a simple process when you choose the right blocks – those specifically designed to create curving walls. Whether you opt for a tight, very rounded wall or a smooth and gentle flowing curve, the right product will make the job easy.
Well-designed concrete blocks will allow easy installation of a curved wall with no cutting involved. Here are the type of blocks you can use to create a smoothly finished curving retaining wall.
Wedge-shaped blocks
Wedge-shaped blocks make building circles or curves easy, as the bacfk of the block is narrower across than the front of the block. These blocks are literally shaped like wedges, making it easy to create a curved or rounded edge with no gaps.
They are flexible enough to handle any style of edging without gapping, including straight edging, sweeping curves, tight curves, zig zags, big tree circles, little tree circles and fire pits. Plus, they come in a variety of colours and finishes, to match any type of décor or design.
National Masonry’s wedge-shaped concrete block is called WedgeBLOK, and you can have a look at it here:
Link blocks
Link blocks are a versatile way to build a strong, curved retaining wall without needing mortar. The blocks link together using projecting rims or collars called flanges, which attach to the edge of the previous block to create a strong and stable attachment.
The flange will give additional support and stiffness to the wall, and make construction simpler and more convenient – plus, it’s easy to create a curved retaining wall with this type of blocks.
Link blocks come in a variety of designs, including triface (where the front of the block has three edges) and flushface (where the front of each block fits flush with the other blocks, while the back of the block is tapered smaller). Each of these systems allow for easy construction of curved walls with no additional corners or caps required.
They are generally suitable for walls up to one metre high in ideal conditions. With link blocks, you’ll be able to effortlessly build strong and attractive convex, concave or curved retaining walls that will last the distance.
National Masonry offers a variety of link block products, including Gardenwall Standard, Gardenwall Flushface and Gardenwall Soft Split – check them out here:
Keystone blocks
Keystone blocks present a straight face at the front, augmented by a unique interlocking pin system at the back that allows for easy creation of strong and secure curved retaining walls. It’s suitable for a large range of applications and can be used in a variety of soil conditions. Keystone blocks can create near vertical walls in excess of 10 metres high when engineered. It’s the professional’s choice for larger, soil-reinforced retaining wall applications.
Have a look at what this block looks like here:
These are just three of the many types of concrete blocks suitable for creating curved retaining walls simply and quickly – you can have a look at more options here: https://www.nationalmasonry.com.au/blocks-bricks-pavers-retaining-walls-qld-nsw/retaining_walls/